Mother Tongue Mandate: 30 Minutes Daily to Save India’s Dying Dialects
The Directorate of Education has issued a significant directive, mandating the use of local dialects in classrooms for at least 30 minutes on designated ‘bag-free’ days. This initiative, effective immediately, aims to revitalise regional languages and preserve India’s rich cultural heritage.
The move is a direct implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), which prioritises multilingualism and the use of mother tongues in early education. The policy recognises the crucial role of vernacular languages in cognitive development and overall academic success.
By encouraging teachers to incorporate local dialects into the curriculum, the Directorate hopes to combat the steady decline of many regional languages, often overshadowed by dominant national languages like Hindi and English.
This initiative is expected to foster stronger communication between teachers and students, creating a more inclusive and engaging learning environment. It also aims to reconnect children with their roots and cultural identities.
The long-term impact of this policy will be closely monitored. Its success hinges on effective teacher training and the active participation of parents and communities in promoting the use of local languages at home. The preservation of India’s linguistic diversity is crucial for maintaining its unique cultural tapestry. August 3, 2025
